Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada is recovering from soreness, causing him to lag behind other position players in spring training. Moncada aims to revitalize his career after a disappointing 2024 season, where he played just 12 games due to injury with the Chicago White Sox. With Anthony Rendon sidelined for the entire 2025 season, Moncada is expected to fill the void at third base, providing a more reliable presence for the Angels. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal emphasizes the significant opportunity for Moncada in Anaheim, noting the team's inability to rely on Rendon’s health. By the end of the 2025 season, Rendon will have participated in less than 30 percent of games for the Angels. Moncada's performance in 2019, where he posted a .315 batting average and hit 25 home runs, gives hope for a comeback.

Angels manager Ron Washington expressed optimism about the team's potential for success in 2025, but he also highlighted the importance of evaluating the roster during spring training. With new veteran additions to the team, Washington is focused on assessing whether they have the right mix to contend. The Angels are looking to escape the bottom of the American League standings, and Moncada’s role will be pivotal in achieving this goal. As he works to overcome injuries and demonstrate his capabilities, Moncada has a crucial chance to establish himself as a dependable everyday player for the Angels.

Los Angeles Dodgers have welcomed another Japanese superstar, Roki Sasaki, who recently announced his marriage on Instagram just as he prepared for his first spring training with the team. This follows a similar announcement from Shohei Ohtani last year. Sasaki described his partner as an 'ordinary woman', suggesting she is not a celebrity. The pitching phenom is highly anticipated, drawing comparisons to Stephen Strasburg and Paul Skenes, although concerns about his health linger due to his limited innings in Japan.

Sasaki's combination of a blazing fastball and an exceptional splitter has set high expectations, but the Dodgers signed him to a surprisingly low $6.5 million deal, a rare cost-saving move for such a talented player. His ability to pitch effectively will be closely monitored as he adjusts to the MLB.

As Major League Baseball heads into 2025, the impact of recent rule changes, including the pitch clock and larger bases, has established a new status quo. Average game times have decreased significantly, with a 28-minute decline observed since 2022, and the emergence of elite speedsters has redefined fantasy strategies. For instance, Ronald Acuña Jr. became the first player to achieve a 40/70 season, while Shohei Ohtani followed suit with a 50/50 performance in 2024. Players like Corey Seager thrived under the new shift rules, showcasing how adjustments in gameplay can greatly affect fantasy outcomes.

Despite a slight decline in league-wide run production, the steady BABIP and the resurgence of stolen bases—highlighted by 24 players swiping at least 30 bags—remain crucial for fantasy managers. The specialization of pitching continues, with an all-time low in complete games and a rise in strikeout rates correlating with increased pitcher velocity. With these trends solidifying, fantasy players must adapt their strategies to excel in an evolving baseball landscape.

The catcher position in 2025 fantasy baseball presents a unique challenge due to limited depth and variability in player performance. Middle-round targets include Shea Langeliers, who showcased immense power with 29 home runs last season, and Logan O'Hoppe, who flashed potential as a top offensive threat despite contact rate concerns. Francisco Alvarez's disappointing 2024 raises questions about his value, while Gabriel Moreno offers a solid batting average with potential for steals. Finally, Austin Wells could emerge as a sleeper pick with his potential for power in a strong Yankees lineup.

The Los Angeles Angels face uncertainty as they approach Opening Day, with little expectation for significant roster changes. Insider Robert Murray suggests that the team may not make any further signings before the season starts, stating owner Arte Moreno is unlikely to spend more money. This follows Moreno's comments on the need for prudent spending, acknowledging the team's longstanding struggles and the importance of health and unity among players.